Kiwi rider finishes off the pace in punishing road race

NEW Zealand cyclist George Bennett has missed out on a medal in the men’s road race at the Tokyo Olympics after losing contact on the brutal ascent of Mikuni Pass.

Bennett was well-positioned heading into the penultimate climb but got dropped after favourites Belgium and Slovenia drove up the pace at the front of the peloton.

The Nelson rider finished 6min 20sec behind winner Richard Carapaz in 27th place overall.

Bennett spent the majority of the race tucked away safely in the peloton but cracked with 37.5 kilometres remaining in the 243km race when Tour de

France champion Tadej Pogacar went on the attack.

Ecuadorian Carapaz broke free and rode solo with 4.5km to go claim the gold medal.

Bennett’s Jumbo-Visma team-mate Wout van Aert edged Pogacar in a photo finish to take the silver medal, 1min 07sec behind Carapaz.